Tustin Kia - Why the 2026 Kia Sorento EX Is the Right-Sized Family Upgrade around Lake Forest, CA
For families balancing school drop-offs, freeway commutes, and weekend plans, the 2026 Kia Sorento EX strikes a rare balance of space, technology, and confidence. It builds on the Sorento’s three-row versatility with available 2nd-row captain’s chairs for easy third-row access, while keeping standard 3rd-row seating for those bigger carpools. Under the hood, the available 281 hp turbocharged engine brings a steady reserve of power for passing and on-ramps, and the available all-wheel drive w/ Terrain Mode helps keep you moving when weather or unpaved roads enter the picture. Inside, the available Dual Panoramic Display w/ Navigation offers an expansive, modern view of maps, menus, and vehicle data, and standard Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Wireless Android Auto™ make syncing everyday life feel natural. When it is time to park near busy fields or city curbs, available features like the 360° Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor help increase your confidence by displaying key angles you cannot easily see from the driver’s seat.
Comfort is where the EX quietly excels. Available heated and ventilated front seats help stabilize comfort year-round, and an available heated steering wheel adds a welcome touch on cooler mornings. If you enjoy daylight and fresh air, the available panoramic sunroof creates an open ambiance that lifts the entire cabin. Family-friendly features abound, from a standard 2nd-row bench that slides forward at the touch of a button to the available Smart Power Liftgate w/ Auto Close that opens as you approach and closes automatically when you walk away with the smart key. With up to 75.5 cu. ft. of cargo space with the 2nd and 3rd rows folded, after-school activities and weekend getaways feel less like logistics and more like freedom.
- Turbocharged performance: the available 281 hp engine provides confident acceleration for everyday driving and mountain grades.
- AWD confidence: available all-wheel drive w/ Terrain Mode supports traction on rain-slick streets, gravel pullouts, and snow days.
- Flexible seating: standard 3rd-row seating with available 2nd-row captain’s chairs gives you multiple ways to configure passengers and cargo.
- Wide-screen clarity: the available Dual Panoramic Display w/ Navigation puts critical info and entertainment in easy view.
- Parking peace of mind: available 360° Surround View Monitor helps with low-speed maneuvering in tight spaces.
- Everyday ease: the available Smart Power Liftgate w/ Auto Close is a game changer when your hands are full.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the 2026 Kia Sorento EX offer all-wheel drive?
Yes, the EX is available with all-wheel drive w/ Terrain Mode, which is designed to help you manage changing surfaces and weather with added traction and control.
Can the EX be equipped with captain’s chairs in the second row?
Yes, the EX offers available 2nd-row captain’s chairs that create a clear path to the third row and enhance comfort for second-row passengers.
Which advanced driver-assistance features are available on the EX?
Key available features include Highway Driving Assist 2, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and the 360° Surround View Monitor, complementing standard Auto Emergency Braking and standard Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.
How does infotainment work in the EX?
Standard Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Wireless Android Auto™ simplify phone integration, and the available Dual Panoramic Display w/ Navigation provides a clear, modern interface for maps, media, and vehicle settings.
When you are ready to step into an SUV that handles daily life with grace, the EX makes a compelling case. It gives you the power to merge with confidence, the traction to keep going when plans involve dirt lots or winter weather, and the space to carry people and gear without compromise. If you value technology that is easy to use and driver-assist features that make routine trips feel calmer, the EX delivers all of that in a right-sized footprint. Visit Tustin Kia—serving Lake Forest, Fountain Valley, and Anaheim—to see how the EX’s thoughtful blend of performance, flexibility, and tech can make your time on the road simpler and more enjoyable.